Education and training services

Tender description

The Department for Education is inviting bids for the management and delivery of the network of school based science CPD providers. The Government is committed to make Britain the best country in the world for developing STEM skills in primary, secondary and further education so Britain can grow scientifically and technologically. High quality teaching is critical to achieving this. Evidence tells us that good teaching fosters engagement, raises attainment, improves confidence and drives participation post-16. Whilst the evidence of the impact of teacher subject knowledge on the quality of teaching is mixed, there is evidence that teachers teaching out of subject specialism lack confidence, are less likely to teach in an engaging and practical way and struggle to foster enthusiasm and engagement. The confidence and ability of teachers and the lack of training and development are also factors that affect teacher retention. To manage and co-ordinate delivery of a national network of school based science CPD providers to improve the standard of science teaching by providing high quality science CPD to teachers and technicians in state-funded primary and secondary schools across England. The work of the school based science CPD providers will also incorporate targeted support to schools to improve the take-up of GCSE triple science. The Department is inviting bids for a 3-year contract up to a maximum value of 2 450 000 GBP in 2016-17, 3 700 000 GBP in 2017-18 and 3 700 000 GBP in 2018-19 (please note these figures will include any VAT that may be applicable). In addition to the core bid we would also welcome options to expand the programme of support to triple science, over the period of the contract, for a maximum value of 750 000 GBP per year. See Contracts Finder https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/9c9c6118-fb08-4a7b-816f-fec751799ef3 for further information and to download the invitation to tender letter.